Exploring Life & Business with Olivia Dupre of Alouette Childcare & Preschool

Today we’d like to introduce you to Olivia Dupre.

Olivia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Sometimes the most meaningful careers begin far from where we expect. Mine started in France and took me to Hawaii, West Los Angeles, and a lifelong love for children, care, and connection.
I’m originally from the Paris Île-de-France region, and French is my mother tongue. My journey with children began as an au pair in Hawaii, followed by work in a bank in France, where I learned organization, professionalism, and the value of service—lessons that later shaped my entrepreneurial approach. I then returned to the U.S. as a nanny in Pacific Palisades, discovering my true calling: supporting young children during their most formative years.

I immigrated to the U.S. in 2009 and initially pursued another passion—cooking—by opening and running a restaurant. While I loved bringing people together through food, I felt called to make a deeper, more lasting impact. In 2014, I fully committed to early childhood education, founding Alouette™ Childcare & Preschool, a French immersion program in West Los Angeles, licensed by the State of California (#197494686). That same year, I began formal studies, earning my Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from National University in 2018.

Beyond Alouette™, I serve as Co-Chair of the Family Child Care Committee for the Southern California Chapter of CAAEYC.

Caring for children is a joy and a privilege. I see them as little diamonds, each shining in their own way. The Little Prince guides my philosophy, shaping how I teach, nurture, and connect with children and families every day.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It hasn’t always been a smooth road. I started this journey alone, with a small license for just six children, and like any long-term endeavor, there were plenty of trials and errors along the way.

One of the earliest challenges was perception. Home-based early childhood programs are often not recognized as educational spaces. From the beginning, I was intentional about setting expectations with families: even though Alouette™ is home-based, it is a school. Children are learning every day. Establishing that shared understanding required confidence, consistency, and clear communication.

My work is grounded in learning through play, which is the foundational framework of early childhood education. Learning through play supports all developmental domains—cognitive, social, emotional, and physical—by transforming rigid instruction into purposeful, child-centered experiences. Play is often misunderstood as “just play,” but it is teaching. Part of my role has been to educate not only children, but also families and the broader community about why play is essential for healthy brain development. As one of my professors at Santa Monica College used to say, “We are brain architects” and I carry that responsibility seriously.

Another ongoing challenge is working with families from many different cultural backgrounds. Each family brings their own values, expectations, and experiences. Navigating those differences with respect, while still maintaining clear guidelines and consistency, requires constant communication, empathy, and balance.

As Alouette™ grew, one of my biggest leadership challenges—and achievements—was building the right team. Today, I’m incredibly grateful to work with an amazing group of educators who are just as passionate and invested in early childhood education as I am. Just like with families, balance is essential—supporting educators while holding clear expectations so everyone can thrive.

Despite the challenges, I’m incredibly proud of what Alouette™ has become over the past 11 years. Alouette first opened its doors on Monday, January 5th, 2015. Since then, so many wonderful families have walked through those doors, each contributing to the community and shaping who we are today.

I created Alouette™ not just as a school, but as a village—for children, families, and educators alike. Seeing that community grow and sustain itself has been one of the most rewarding parts of my journey.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Alouette™ Childcare & Preschool is a founder-led, women-owned French immersion program serving children ages 1 to 5 in West Los Angeles. As an immigrant from France and a native French speaker, I created Alouette™ to bring my language, culture, and values into a nurturing educational space during children’s most formative years.
Children are immersed in French through songs, stories, routines, conversations, and play, allowing them to absorb the language naturally. Our approach blends authentic French educational values with American-style positive reinforcement, supporting children’s social-emotional growth, independence, and confidence. We guide children in learning how to live in society—taking turns, respecting others, and building healthy relationships—without forcing behaviors like sharing.

What sets Alouette™ apart is our highly personalized care and deep respect for families’ trust and privacy. With a student-to-teacher ratio as low as 4:1, our educators build meaningful, nurturing relationships with each child. To protect children’s routines and sense of security, we begin with a virtual tour, giving families the chance to get to know our school and ensure it feels like the right fit for both their family and our community. In-person visits are scheduled only if the virtual tour goes well and are thoughtfully planned during nap time, keeping children’s days calm and uninterrupted. Our philosophy centers on play, which is at the heart of everything we do. Play supports children’s curiosity, confidence, and social-emotional growth, and it is complemented by healthy habits and homemade meals prepared with fresh, nutritious ingredients. Alouette™ also fosters a strong sense of community, bringing families together regularly to create a shared “village.” Finally, our homemade French meals introduce children to rich, diverse flavors, supporting healthy eating habits while celebrating the joy of food and culture.

Most recently, we refreshed our indoor space to create a warmer environment with a dedicated art studio, and for the first time in 11 years, we are hosting a fundraiser to enhance our outdoor environment. Those who feel aligned with this vision can learn more here:
https://gofund.me/cc1f9d908

Above all, I’m proud that Alouette™ has grown into a trusted, culturally rich, and safe space, guided by the belief: “Alouette un jour, Alouette toujours” — Once an Alouette, always an Alouette.

We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
Most people don’t know how many lives I’ve lived before Alouette™. I studied literature, cinema, and photography, worked in five-star hotels, and even spent nine months in a fish factory in Norway, which taught me resilience and adaptability. I also ran a restaurant in Los Angeles before fully committing to early childhood education.

Through it all, one thing has remained constant: my love for connecting people. Owning Alouette™ allows me to keep doing that every day—bringing children, families, and educators together, creating meaningful connections, and building a true sense of community that lasts a lifetime.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.alouette-childcare.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alouettechildcareandpreschool/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlouetteChildcareAndPreschool/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/alouette-childcare-and-preschool-los-angeles
• Other: https://gofund.me/cc1f9d908